weatherbycounty

Alger County Climate

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec41.6°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

41.6°F

Annual Precip

35.9"

Annual Snowfall

162.5"

Extreme Heat Days

3

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
2.5"
1.8"
1.8"
2.6"
3.1"
3.2"
3.4"
3.0"
4.1"
4.5"
3.2"
2.7"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

5a

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

1,614

Favors cool-season crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/27
First fall frost (32°F): 10/10

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring27°50°7.5"Summer59°65°9.5"Fall34°58°11.8"Winter18°24°7.0"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 4% of US counties
Wetter than 36% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 70% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Alger County

Climate Verdict

Alger County has a cool, averaging 41.6°F annually, moderate rainfall of 35.9 inches per year, rare extreme heat with only 3.1399999999999997 days above 90°F annually, heavy winter snowfall averaging 162.5 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 17.6°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 64.6°F. The 47°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from reliable snow cover for 3-4 months annually.

Regional Context

Alger County is 4.1°F cooler than the Michigan statewide average of 45.7°F.

Climate Profile

About Alger County Weather

Deep Snow and True Northern Cold

Alger County records an average annual temperature of 41.6°F, making it one of the colder locales in the United States. Its climate is defined by heavy lake-effect precipitation and a winter that lasts much longer than the national norm.

Among Michigan's Coldest Regions

With an annual average of 41.6°F, Alger County ranks well below the state average of 45.7°F. It represents the rugged climate of the Upper Peninsula, where annual precipitation of 35.9 inches slightly exceeds the state average.

Warmer Than Baraga, Equal to the UP

Alger’s 41.6°F average is slightly warmer than neighboring Baraga County at 40.2°F. However, it faces significantly more snowfall than many neighbors, driven by its unique positioning along the Lake Superior shoreline.

Massive Snowfall Defines the Year

Alger County endures a staggering 162.5 inches of annual snowfall, nearly four times the state average. July remains cool with an average of 64.6°F, and the county typically sees only 3 days of extreme heat per year.

Heavy Equipment is a Requirement

A professional-grade snowblower is essential for managing the 162.5 inches of annual snow. Homeowners can likely skip central air conditioning, as the summer average stays a comfortable 62.7°F.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Alger County?
The average annual temperature in Alger County, MI is 41.6°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Alger County get?
Alger County receives an average of 35.9 inches of precipitation per year, including both rain and meltwater from snow. This is based on NOAA 30-year climate normals.
Does it snow in Alger County?
Yes, Alger County receives an average of 162.5 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Alger County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Alger County is 62.7°F. The county experiences an average of 3 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Alger County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Alger County is 19.9°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 17.6°F.

Track your own weather in Alger County

Ambient Weather personal weather stations give you hyperlocal climate data.

Shop Weather Stations →

Sponsored

Data sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020. Forecast and alert data from National Weather Service API. Air quality data from Open-Meteo.

Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables. Station data is aggregated to county level. Forecasts and alerts are fetched live and may change frequently. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
← Back to Michigan